Allegations of increasing religious conversions among tribal and economically weaker Hindu families have once again brought Christian missionary activities in West Bengal under scrutiny, with fresh tensions surfacing in South 24 Parganas district. The latest controversy unfolded after local residents confronted members of the Claretian Missionaries over conversion activities and foreign funding, following which the missionaries approached the police alleging intimidation.
The incident, reported from Claret Premaloy Mission Centre in Nazat under the Diocese of Baruipur, has reignited the long-standing debate over missionary activities in rural and tribal pockets of West Bengal, where allegations of religious conversions have repeatedly drawn opposition from local communities and Hindu organisations.
Local Residents Raise Questions Over Conversion Activities
According to the complaint filed by the missionaries themselves, a group of around eight local men visited the mission premises on July 31 and questioned the clergy about their activities in the area, the number of Catholic families residing in the locality, and the nature of the mission’s work.
The visitors allegedly accused the mission of converting poor tribal and Hindu families and questioned the source of funds used for expanding church infrastructure, alleging that foreign funding was being utilised for missionary activities.
The confrontation reflects growing concerns among sections of the local population over alleged evangelisation efforts in the region, an issue that has repeatedly surfaced in different parts of West Bengal.
Seven-day ultimatum allegedly issued
According to the missionaries complaint, one of the visitors, who allegedly identified himself as a local councillor, asked the missionaries to vacate the premises within seven days.
The complaint further alleges that the group warned it would lock the mission from outside if the missionaries failed to leave.
Although no weapons were reportedly displayed, the visitors allegedly photographed the mission buildings and vehicles before leaving.
Following consultations with the Bishop of Baruipur and legal advisers, the Claretian Missionaries lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the local police.
Police personnel later visited the mission, recorded statements and said they would monitor the situation. No arrests had been reported at the time of filing the complaint.
Similar Incident Reported in Sandeshkhali
The Nazat incident came a day after another confrontation involving a Christian pastor in Sandeshkhali, where, according to Christian organisations, a local missionary was similarly questioned over alleged foreign-funded activities and missionary work.
The organisations claimed the same individual was present during both incidents. Videos circulated by Christian groups purportedly show a man confronting a priest over alleged foreign funding and asking him to leave the area.
The authenticity of the videos has not been independently verified.
Missionary Activities Remain Under Public Scrutiny
The latest episode has once again brought missionary activities in West Bengal into focus. For years, several Hindu organisations have alleged that some missionary institutions use education, healthcare and welfare initiatives to facilitate religious conversions among tribal and economically weaker communities. Missionary organisations have consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that their work is limited to education, healthcare, pastoral services and humanitarian outreach.
The issue of religious conversions and foreign funding has remained politically and socially contentious, with repeated demands from various organisations for greater transparency in the functioning and funding of missionary institutions operating in sensitive tribal and rural areas.
Police have begun examining the complaint and are expected to investigate the allegations surrounding the confrontation. Authorities are also likely to examine the issues raised by local residents regarding alleged conversion activities and foreign funding as part of the broader inquiry.
